EFP and CEFP: Why Credentialing Matters

What will make your resume stand out in the crowd? How can you bolster your position within your current job? How can your facilities department demonstrate its professionalism and leadership capabilities to the institution?

In an environment where employees often move between institutions or even have to compete to move ahead within their current department, pursuing professional certifications not only expands your understanding of the field, but it proves your personal commitment to educational facilities management.

“APPA’s EFP and CEFP are the only certifications that demonstrate your qualifications for educational facilities and also demonstrate your dedication to the educational facilities profession,” said John Morris, Associate Vice President of Facility Services, Northern Arizona University, P.E., CFM, CEM, CPE, LEED AP, GBE, CEFP.

The Educational Facilities Professional (EFP) credential has been designed for the individual who has recently been involved with an educational environment for less than five years. The EFP offers a preparation manual and class to help participants understand the curriculum and prepare for the examination.

The second tier of credentialing is the Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), which is considered desirable for those who are, and those seeking to become, higher level managers and administrators. The CEFP candidates have been in the profession with at least seven years of work experience. The curriculum and criteria for the CEFP is designed to blend theory with the practical experience component. Both the EFP and CEFP require examinations for qualification.

"Credentialing is important, not just to show that you are qualified, but also to show that you have a strong enough dedication to your role in order to make the effort to earn a credential. Quite often that says more about you as an individual than the qualification itself,” Morris said.

Institutional Value

Encouraging current employees to pursue credentials and hiring credentialed candidates has value for an institution, as well. It demonstrates that the campus facilities organization is comprised of qualified, competent, and learned professionals; supports succession planning and maintenance of quality facilities practices on campus; provides an incentive for recruitment and retention; and advances the stewardship of the institution’s facilities investment.

“At Weber State, we include the EFP credential and CEFP certification in our job postings,” said Shawna Rowley, Director of Facilities Business Services, Weber State University. “We give preference to applicants who have completed these programs because they tend to have a better understanding of what it takes to work in facilities in higher ed.”

For a list of current exam offerings, a comprehensive list of FAQs, and more about the EFP and CEFP credentialing process, visit credentialing.appa.org.